Pete Watkinson of Beverley Athletic Club celebrated his 60th birthday in style by running the challenging Wales Marathon last Sunday. He crossed the line in 77th place in a commendable time of 3:41:02.
The Wales Marathon starts in the coastal resort of Tenby and follows the Ridgeway, an ancient track which runs along the crest of Kerry Hill. The Ridgeway never drops below 1000 feet above sea level and there are breathtaking views in all directions. At the half-way point runners pass the historic Pembroke Castle where they are joined by athletes running the half-marathon. The route then returns to Tenby via Freshwater East and Manorbier.
The Wales Marathon is one of a number of events that Watkinson is undertaking to mark his 60th year which will culminate in the Montane Lakeland 100 Mile Race on 27 July. This ultra trail race starts and finishes in Coniston and follows a circular route round the Lakeland fells on public bridleways and footpaths. He has one more training event before then – the Lakeland Trail Marathon on 1 July which also starts and finishes in Coniston.
An experienced distance runner, Watkinson has completed a number of ultra distance events in the past such as East Hull Harriers’ 24-hour Race at Costello Stadium and Hell on the Humber across the Humber Bridge. This year’s races are more scenic and will be much more enjoyable than running laps of Costello Stadium or repeated crossings of the Humber Bridge.
So what will he be thinking about as he runs round the Lake District? Probably which races he will do to celebrate his 65th birthday in 2017!
Reported by Kay Farrow
